Adjustable timer for a plurality of stations



April 23, 1968 Filed June 22, 1965 P. W. CARSTEN ADJUSTABLE TIMER FOR APLURALITY OF STATIONS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 OPERATION STATION MASTER.LOWSPEED HIGHSPEED Swrrcu EWITCH DQWE Draws OFF OFF/ON on OFF on:

54 on OFF/ON ON ON ON mama ON ON ON on:

905mm! on ON cm ON osmcmW OFF on: em 0N PosxTxoNB on OFF OFF ONINVENTOR.

P404 #4 Caesrav BYW%% z M266 M Mrraemsxs A ril 23, 1968 P. w. CARSTENADJUSTABLE TIMER FOR A PLURALITY OF STATIONS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June22, 196

m R w op e 2 W w im r 1 w w &M%& a m

A ril 23, 1968 P. w. CARSTEN 3,379,894

ADJUSTABLE TIMER FOR A PLURALITY OF STATIONS Filed June 22, 1965 3Sheets-Sheet 5 STATION STATION STATION la a 12 J 2 .12 i;- 90 90 90 i5{12 9 59 74 HOMER/SWITCH'57 I T" .100

j LOW SPEED we: spear:

9a 1 i8 ORlVE omvs summ 16 STAT! INVENTOR. @404 W CAesnE/v United StatesPatent 3,379,894 ADJUSTABLE TIMER FOR A PLURALITY 0F STATIONS Paul W.Carsten, RU. Box 428, Malibu, Calif. 90265 Filed June 22, 1965, Ser. No.465,958 Claims. (tCl. 307-41) The present invention relates to timingdevices for controlling the sequence of operation and the operating timeof a plurality of remote stations and, more particularly, to a noveltimer which is adjustable to control the operating time of each stationindependent of the others.

In various automated systems it is necessary to control the sequence ofoperation of a plurality of different stations or apparatus. It is alsodesirable to control the operating time of each station independent ofthe other stations. An automatic lawn sprinkling system is one suchsystem.

In an automatic lawn sprinkling system, it is desirable to program inadvance the sequence of operation of different valves and sprinklers andto individually control their duration of operation. In the past, suchcontrol has been provided by timing devices including a combination ofan electromechanical timer and a separate electrical power distributorconnected to the timer. The conventional timer employed in suchcombinations includes a plurality of stationary timing units, one foreach remote station or valve to be controlled. The units are spaced inan orbital array around a drive shaft and include screw memberssupported for movement into and out of the orbital path of a timing cam.The cam is connected by a resilient arm to rotate with the drive shaftin a circular path to successively engage the pointed tips of thescrews. When the cam contacts a screw tip, the resilient arm isdeflected and opens an electrical circuit to a high speed motor whichnormally turns the drive shaft at a relatively high angular velocity. Alow speed motor then takes over to drive the cam over the screw tip fora period of time determined by the degree of projection of the screw tipinto the cam path and the rotational velocity of the drive shaft.

The electrical power distributor is connected to and operates with thedrive shaft to apply electrical power to different remote stations orvalves during the time the cam is engaging the different timing unitscrew tips. Therefore, the degree of projection of the timing units intothe path of the cam controls the timing operation of the remotestations.

Unfortunately, such conventional timing devices are subject to numerousproblems. For example, in order to withstand the friction wear anddeformation occurring during normal operation, the timing units, timingcam, and resilient arm are formed of strong, heavy materials. Also,separate gearing is usually employed to connect the drive shaft to theelectrical power distributor. These factributor cause the conventionaltiming devices to be relatively expensive, bulky and complex. Moreover,in practice, such timing devices have been found to require frequentservicing and adjustments.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention toprovide an improved timer for controlling both the sequence of operationand the operating time of a plurality of remote stations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved timerof the foregoing type which directly and selectively distributeselectrical power to remote stations without requiring the use of aseparate distributor.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a relativelyinexpensive, compact, durable and long lasting timer for controlling theoperation of a plurality of remote stations.

The foregoing as well as other objects and advantages of the presentinvention may be more clearly understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when taken with the drawings which, by Way ofexample only, illustrate one form of timer embodying the features of thepresent invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front view of the timer;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional side view of the timer;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional rear view taken along the line 33 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 3a is a fragmentary perspective view of the central control knobof the timer;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 44 inFIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is an expanded sectional view of the portion within the circle5 shown in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 65 inFIGURE 3;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 77 in FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 8 is a chart depicting the condition of various elements of thetimer during different operations thereof;

FIGURE 9 is a wiring diagram of the timer;

FIGURE 10 is a schematic view illustrating the relative positions of amaster switch and station switch of the timer with the master switchready to operate and the station switch in various angular positionsrelative to the master switch in accordance with the operating time tobe provided for apparatus connected to the station switch;

FIGURE 11 is a schematic view similar to FIGURE 10, with the masterswitch operated and the station switch in the various positionscorresponding to those indicated in FIGURE 10; and

FIGURE 12 is a schematic view of a homer switch for the timer shown inan off condition.

In the drawings, the timer is represented generally by the numeral 10and will be described in an automatic lawn sprinkler setting.

Generally speaking, the timer 10 includes a plurality of stationswitches 12 spaced from each other and from a master switch 14. Eachstation switch 12 is connected to a different output terminal 16 and ina series loop with the master switch 14 such that simultaneous operationof the master switch and a station switch completes an electricalcircuit from a power source (not shown) to an electrically controlledvalve (not shown) connected to the output terminal 16 of the operatedstation switch. In this respect, the master switch 14 is repeatedlyoperated for predetermined periods of time by a removable array 17 ofmaster switch operating means 18 while the station switches 12 aresuccessively operated for predetermined periods of time by a stationswitch operating means 20 driven with the array 17 by a variable speeddrive 22.

Each station switch 12 is adjustable to vary its spacing from the masterswitch 14. Thus, the operating time of each station switch 12 can beadvanced or retarded relative to an operating time of the master switch14 such that there is either a total, partial or no overlap of masterswitch and station switch operating times during which electrical poweris supplied to the output terminal 16 of the station switch to energizeits associated valve. Accordingly, by adjusting the position of thestation switches 12 relative to the master switch 14, the sequence ofvalve operation may be programmed and the operating time of each valvecontrolled independent of the other valves.

In addition, during the time electrical power is supplied to an outputterminal 16 to energize a valve, the

variable speed drive 22 slows from a relatively high speed to provide arelatively slow timing drive for the switch operating means. This allowsthe valves to be successively operated for controlled amounts of timewith a minimum time lapse between scheduled operations.

Referring more particularly to FIGURES 1 and 2, the timer has a frontpanel 26 adapted for mounting in a wall to support a number of manuallyadjustable controls 28 of the timer within easy reach of its operator.The front panel 26, controls 28, and many of the moving parts of thetimer 10 are preferably formed of a plastic material to reduce theover-all weight and cost of manufacture of the timer, as well as toresist possible rusting when exposed to the atmosphere. Also, the outerrim of the front panel 26 and the indicia carried thereby may be platedwith a metal, such as chrome,

to improve the outward appearance of the timer and to make the indiciastand out from the panel for clear reading.

The controls 28 allow the operator to program the operating sequence andoperating times of the valves connected to the output terminals 16 ofthe timer 10 and include a central dial 30 and seven station or valvecontrol knobs 32 evenly spaced in a circle around the central dial. Eachcontrol knob 32 is connected to a different station switch 12 forturning in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to advanceor retard the operating time of the station switch relative to themaster switch 14, thereby selectively controlling the operating time ofthe valve connected to the station switch.

To provide a clear indication of the operating time for each valve, thefront panel 26 carries a scale 33 around each knob 32, graduated fromzero to thirty minutes. Also, each knob 32 has a pointed extension 34for moving along an associated scale 33 with a turning of the knob topoint at the operating time for the associated valve.'The degree ofrotation of each knob 32 is limited by a lip 35 extending from the frontpanel to engage the extension 34 of the knob when directed toward thezero and thirty of the associated scale 33.

The front panel 26 also includes a scale 36 around the central dial 30,divided into seven sectors (1 to 7), each corresponding to a differentknob 32 and hence a different station switch 12 for the timer 10. Thecentral dial 30 is adapted to rotate upon operation of the timer and topoint toward the numeral indicative of the station switch then inoperation.

The central dial 30 also may be manually'turned in a clockwise directionto modify the programmed operation of the timer 10 or to select aparticular station switch 12 for operation. To this end, the dial 30 isconnected to the array 17 of master switch operating means 18 and to thestation switch operating means to turn the array with a manual turningof the dial in a clockwise direction.

A manual turning of the dial in a counter-clockwise direction, however,has no effect upon the programmed operation of the timer 10. In fact,the dial 30 is free to turn independent of the array 17 and stationswitch operating means 20 with a manual turning in a counterclockwisedirection. This allows the operator to manually reprogram the timer 10by turning the dial 30 in one direction and insures that the timer willnot be damaged by an inadvertent turning of the dial in an oppositedirection.

To accomplish this, a sleeve 37 extends from a rear face of the dial 30through a central opening 38 in the front panel 26 into a slightlylarger sleeve 39 extending from the back of the panel. The rearwardlyextending sleeve 39 also receives a forward end of a tubular controlshaft 40 of the array 17, here preferably taking the form of a camcarrying wheel 41 having an outer rim 42 connected to the central shaft39 by a plurality of radially extending spokes 43. The sleeve 37 andshaft 40 are free to rotate within the sleeve 39.

The shaft 40 extends forward and rearward of the wheel 41 and is adaptedto receive a flatheaded bolt 44. The head of the bolt 44 is seatedwithin the end of a central opening 45 in the dial 30 and the body ofthe bolt extends through the opening in the dial, the sleeve 37, and thetubular shaft 40. From the shaft 40 the bolt extends rearward through apair of washers 46 and 47 stationed on opposite sides of an opening 48in a vertical, mot r supporting plate 49 connected to the front panel 26by a pair of horizontal arms 50. Beyond the washers 46 and 47, the endof the bolt 44 passes through a coil spring 51 and a pair of springretainers 52 and 53 located on either end of the spring. The springcombination is secured in place by a pair of nuts 54 on the end of thebolt. The nuts 54 press against the rear spring retainer 53 to compressthe coil spring aaginst the forward spring retainer 52 and support plate49. This, in turn, produces an axial force on the bolt 44 urging therear end of the dial sleeve 37 tightly against the front end of theshaft 40.

As illustrated most clearly in FIGURE 3a, the rear end 55 of the sleeve37 is spiral shaped, spiralling rearwardly in a counterclockwisedirection with a diametric shoulder 56 connecting the beginning and endof the spiral. The front end 57 of the shaft 40 is also spiral shaped,spiralling rearwardly in a counterclockwise direction with a diametricshoulder 58 extending between the beginning and end of the spiral. Thespiral shaped ends 55 and 57 mate with each other such that theshoulders 56 and 58 lock against each other and a turning of the dial 30in a clockwise direction produces a similar rotation of the shaft 40 andthe wheel 41. This produces a clockwise rotation of the array 17 andstation switch operating means 20 to manually program or ire-program theoperation of the timer 10 and to enable an operator to manually selectwhich station switch 12 is to be operating.

A turning of the dial 30 in an opposite or counterclockwise direction,however, separates the shoulder 56 from the shoulder 58 on the shaft 40to disengage the dial 30 from the shaft. The spiral shaped end 55 of thesleeve 37 then rides over the spiral shaped end 57 of the shaft 40 andmoves axially with the bolt 44 relative to the shaft. The coil spring 51accommodates such movement and returns the dial 30 into positiveconnection with the shaft 40 upon the operators release of the dial. Thecoil spring thus provides means for automatically reindexing the dial 30to indicate the proper operating condition for the timer 10 despite animproper turning of the dial by its operator.

During operation of the timer 10, the wheel 41 is driven by the variablespeed drive 22, here comprising a relatively high speed synchronousmotor 59 and a relatively low speed synchronous motor 60, both connectedto and supported by the motor carrying plate 49. The

output shaft 61 of the high speed motor 59 carries a relatively largespur gear 62 mating with an annular ring of inwardly directed teeth 63extending from the outer rim of the wheel 41. Similarly, the outputshaft 64 of the low speed motor carries a relatively small spur gear 65which also mates with the ring of teeth 63 diametrically opposite thehigh speed motor 59. The motors are arranged such that operation of thehigh speed motor 59 overrides the low speed motor 60 to turn the wheel41 at a relatively high angular velocity while operation of the lowspeed motor 60 alone turns the wheel at a relatively low angularvelocity. As will be described in greater detail, the wheel 41 is drivenby the low speed motor 60 alone during the timer operation of the timer10 and by the high speed motor 59 between timing operations to producerelatively long periods of timing operation, here up to thirty minutes,with a minimum turning of the wheel 41, and a minimum time lapse betweensuccessive timing operations.

In addition to the ring of teeth 63, the wheel 41 carries both theplurality of master switch operating means 18 and a station switchoperating means 20. Preferably, the master switch operating means 18takes the form of a plurality of raised, arcuate cams, each having asmooth outer surface. The cams 18 are spaced evenly around the rearmostannular portion of rim of the wheel 41 to define arcuate recessed areas66 therebetween. There is one cam 18 for each station switch 12.

The station switch operating means 20 preferably takes the form of agenerally rectangular raised cam extending from the forwardmost portionof the periphery of the wheel 41. The length of the cam 20 is less thanthe length of the master switch operating cams 18 to insure that thestation switches 12 are operated for a shorter duration of time than themaster switch 14.

As most clearly illustrated in FIGURE 5, the master switch 14 and ahomer switch 67 are connected side by side and to the motor supportingplate 49. The master switch 14 is stationed directly over the series ofmaster switch operating cams 18. The homer switch is stationed betweenthe master switch and the forward edge of the wheel 41 over the circularpath traveled by a notch 68 in the wheel 41 located adjacent the leadingedge of one of the master switch operating earns 18, (see FIG- URE 6).

The structure of the homer switch 67 is similar to the master switch 14and as represented diagrammatically in FIGURE 9 includes a switch arm 69normally contacting a first terminal 70 and movable from the firstterimnal to contact a second terminal 71. The master switch 14 issimilar, including a switch arm 72 normally contacting a first terminal73 and movable therefrom to make contact with a second terminal 74. Theswitch arm 72 of the master switch 14 is electrically connected to theswitch arm 69 of the homer switch 67.

The movements of the switch arms 69 and 72 of the homer and masterswitches are controlled by spring arms 75 and 76 (see FIGURE 3)connected to the housings 77 and 78 of the switches. Actuating pins 79and 80 extend from the housings 77 and 78 and are connected to theswitch arms 69 and 72, respectively, within the associated housings.Normally, the spring arms 75 and 76 are spaced from the actuating pinsand the switch arms 69 and 72 are contacting their associated firstterminals. Movement of the spring arms to depress the actuating pins 79and 86, however, causes the switch arms 69 and 72 to move to the secondterminals 71 and 74. More particularly, referring to FIGURES 3 and 4,the spring arm '75 of the master switch 14 rides over the annularportion of the wheel rim including the series of master switch operatingcams 18. The spring arm 76 of the homer switch 67 rides over the annularportion of the wheel including the notch 68. When the spring arm 75 isbetween cams 18, the master switch is in its normal condition with theswitch arm 72 making contact with the first terminal 73. Similarly, whenthe spring arm 76 lies in the notch 68, the homer switch is in itsnormal condition with its switch arm 69 making contact with the firstterminal '70. However, when the spring arm 75 engages a cam 18, it movesupwardly to engage the pin 79 and causes the switch arm 72 to breakcontact with the first terminal 73 and make contact with the secondterminal 74. This defines an operating condition for the master switchwhich continues for a predetermined period of time controlled by thelength of the cam 18 and the angular velocity of the wheel 41.Similarly, when the spring arm 76 rides out of the notch 68 with aturning of the wheel 41, the spring arm engages the pin 80 causing theswitch arm 69 of the homer switch 69 to move from its first terminal toits second terminal 71 and remains in that position for a completerevolution of the wheel, at which time the spring arm 76 again dropsinto the notch.

The structure of each station switch 12 is substantially the same and isillustrated most clearly in FIGURE 5.

As represented, the station switch 12 includes a switch actuating arm 84extending from the housing 85 of the switch and pivoted about the end ofa support bracket 86 connected to the top of the switch housing. The endof the actuating arm 84 within the housing 85 is connected to one end ofa spring 87 having its other end connected to the movable switch arm 88of the station switch. The movable switch arm 88 is cantilevered fromthe supporting bracket 86 and normally makes electrical contact with afirst terminal 89. When the switch actuating arm 84 con tacts thestation switch operating cam 20, it is pivoted in a clockwise directionrelative to the bracket 86, cans ing the end of the spring 87 to movedownwardly and to move the switch arm 88 from the first contact to asecond terminal 90, as illustrated in phantom outline. The secondterminal 90 is electrically connected to an output terminal 16 for thetimer and hence to a Valve controlled by the timer. When the switchactuating arm 84 drops 011' the station switch operating cam 20, thespring 87 returns the switch arm 88 to its normal position against thefirst terminal 89. The opertaing time for the station switch 12 is thusdetermined by the length of the station switch operating cam 20 and theangular velocity of the wheel 41.

The seven station switches 12 of the timer 10 are evenly spaced aroundthe periphery of the wheel 41 and are supported for limited movementalong the circular path traveled by the station switch operating cam 20to selectively adjust and control the angular spacing of the stationswitches relative to the master switch and, as previously described,thereby control the operating time for valves connected to the stationswitches. In this regard, each station switch 12 is carried overforwardmost annular portion of the wheel 41 including the cam 20 by asupport arm 81 extending along the back of the front panel 26 radiallyaway from the shaft 40 of the wheel 41. The arms 81 are connected to theback of the panel 26 around the shaft and are free to pivot about theconnection points to move the station switches 12 along the arcuate pathof travel of the station switch operating cam 20. To this end, a pin 82(see FIGURE 3) extends forward from the innermost radial portion of eachsupport arm 81 and is received in a collar 83 extending from the rearface of the front panel 26. The collars 83 are spaced from each other ina circular array around the rearwardly extending sleeve 39 and tightlyreceive the pins, yet allow rotation of the pins with the arms 81.

The movement of each station switch 12 along the path of travel of thecam 20 as well as the angular position of each station switch 12relative to the master switch 14 is under the control of a control knob32 on the front of the panel 26. In particular, each knob 32 isconnected to a different station switch 12. The connection for each knob32 is most clearly illustrated in FIGURE 4, and includes a spur gear 91for mating with a sector gear 92 carried by a forwardly extendingarcuated flange 93 of the station switch support arm 81 (see FIGURE 3).A tubular stub shaft 94 extends through and forward from the spur gear91 and is supported within an opening 95 in the front panel 26immediately behind the knob 32. The forward end of the stub shaft 94includes a generally rectangular extension 96 seated within a similarlyshaped recess 97 in the knob 32 to support the knob on the end of theshaft. A screw 98 extends through the stub shaft 94 and into the knob 32to tightly hold the knob against the shaft for turning therewith.

Accordingly, a manual turning of the knob 32, either in clockwise orcounterclockwise direction, produces a turning of the spur gear 91 to,in turn, pivot the support arm 81 and move its associated station switch13 along the circular path of travel of the station switch operating cam20. The degree of rotation of the knob 32 is limited to less than 270 bythe lip 35 below the knob. This insures that the spur gear 91 will notrun off the sector gear 92 and defines the limits of movement for thestation switch 12 along the wheel 41 relative to the master 7 switch 14.Also, by turning the screw 98, the pressure of the knob 32 against thefront panel 26 can be controlled such that sufficient friction forcesare developed between the knob and the panel to resist a turning of theknob when the station switch operating cam 20 engages the actuating arm84 for the switch 12.

In the timer 10, the station switches 12, master switch 14, homer switch67, and high and low speed motors 59 and 60 are electrically connectedas illustrated in FIG- URE 9. In particular, the first terminal 70 ofthe homer switch 67 is connected to an input terminal 99 for receiving arelatively short duration starting pulse such as that developed by theprogrammer described and claimed in the copending patent applicationSer. No. 465,889 filed on even date herewith, now Patent No. 3,324,257.The second terminal 71 of the homer switch 67 is connected to a secondinput terminal 100 connected to a 24-volt AC source. A manual startingswitch 101 is connected between the first and second terminals toprovide means for manually initiating the start of the timer 10.

The station switches 12 are connected in a series loop with the masterswitch 14 and are adapted to operate to complete electrical circuitsfrom the master switch to the various output terminals 16 for the timer.In this regard, the switch arm 88 of the station switch for station 1 isconnected to the second terminal 74 of the master switch 14. The switcharms 88 for the remaining station switches 12 are connected to the firstterminal 89 of the immediately preceding station switches in the seriesloop and the first terminal of the last station switch connected to thefirst terminal 73 of the master switch, while the second terminal 90 ofeach station switch 12 is connected to a different output terminal 16.

To complete the circuit arrangement, the high speed motor 59 isconnected to the first terminal 73 of the master switch and to ground,and the low speed motor 60 to the second terminal 74 of the masterswitch and to ground.

In operation, and referring particularly to FIGURES 8-21, the timer 10is initially in an ofl? condition. In the off condition, the stationswitch 12 'for station 1 is either in an on or off condition, dependingupon the angular position of the station switch relative to the masterswitch. In particular, in the illustrated form, with the timer otf, thestation switch 12 for station 1 is in an on" condition with its switcharm 88 contacting its second terminal 90 for all angular positionsexcept when the station switch is set to energize the output terminal 16for between approximately twenty and thirty minutes. Within this range,the station switch is in an ofi condition. Also, with the timer off, themaster switch 12 is off and, of course, the homer switch 67 is also off.

When a short duration starting pulse is received by the input terminal99, or when the manual switch 101 is closed, electrical energy isapplied to the first terminal 70 of the homer switch 67 and through theswitch arms 69 and 72 of the homer and master switches and the highspeed motor 59 to ground. If the station switch 12 for station 1 is inan ofi condition, an electrical circuit is also completed through theseries loop to the low speed motor 60. In either case, the high speedmotor 59 controls, and starts to drive the wheel 41 in a clockwisedirection. As this occurs, the homer switch 67 moves along the notch 68.At the trailing edge of the notch, the homer switch 67 is actuated tomove the switch arm 69 to contact the second terminal 71 (see FIGURE12). This breaks the circuit from the input terminal 99 and connects thetimer 10 directly to the 24-volt source. The master switch 14 is stillin an off condition and a circuit is now completed from the 24-voltsource to the high and low speed motors 59 and 60 as before.

Continued movement of the wheel 41 brings a master switch operating cam18 adjacent the spring arm 76 of a master switch 14 (see FIGURE 10). Themaster switch then switches to an on condition with its switch arm 72moving from the first terminal 73 to the second terminal 8 74. This isthe on condition depicted in the chart of FIGURE 8.

In the on condition, electrical power is applied directly to the lowspeed motor 60 through the homer and master switches. Also, if all thestation switches 12 are in an ofi condition, an electrical circuit iscompleted to the high speed motor 59 which continues to override the lowspeed motor 60. However, if the station switch 12 of station 11 isoperating when the timer assumes its on condition, the circuit to thehigh speed motor 59 is not completed and the low speed motor 60 drivesthe wheel 41 in a clockwise direction for a predetermined period oftime.

During the time the station switch 12 of station 1 is operating,electrical power is applied from the 24-volt source through the homerand master switches to the output terminal 16 of the station switch 12and hence to the valve connected thereto. This condition for the timeris represented in the chart as the timing operation and continues whilethe master switch 14 and station switch 12 are both operating. This, ofcourse, is control-led by the angular position of the station switch 12relative to the master switch 14 and the angular velocity of the wheel41 as driven by the low speed motor.

The relative angular positions of the station switch 12 for station 1relative to the master switch 14 and the operating times for the valveconnected to the station switch are diagrammatically represented inFIGURE 10. Thus, when the master switch 14 is ready to operate, thestation switch 12 is in the various positions illustrated correspondingto the valve operating times represented. In particular, when thecontrol knob 32 is set for 15 minutes, the station switch 12 is ridingon the station switch operating cam 20. When the knob is set for 30minutes operating time, the station switch 12 is at the leading edge ofthe cam 20 and in an off condition. When the station switch 12 is setfor zero operating time, the station switch is already oif the trailingedge of the cam 20 and the station switch remains in its normalcondition throughout the timer period for which the master switch isoperated.

The low speed motor is adapted to drive the wheel 41 at an angularvelocity such that 30 minutes is required for the switch actuating arm84 to completely traverse the cam 20. Therefore, simultaneous operationof the station switch 12 and master switch 14 with the station switch atthe leading edge of the cam produces 30 minutes of valve operation whilesimultaneous operation with the station switch midway along the camproduces 15 minutes of operation and so on.

In FIGURE 11, the relative angular positions of the master switch 14 andstation switch 12 for station 1 after 15 minutes of timing operation arediagrammatically illustrated. As represented, when the station switch 12is set for 15 minutes operation, it has dropped off the trailing edge ofthe cam while the master switch 14 is still operating. When set for 30minutes operation, 15 minutes of operating time still remains.

The phantom outline in FIGURE 11 represents the relative angularpositions after 30 minutes of timing operation. In this condition, themaster switch 14 is still operating and the station switch 12 hasdropped off the trailing edge of the cam for each valve operating time.

When the station switch returns to its normal off condition, the timerassumes the position No. 1 operating condition, represented in FIGURE 8.In particular, with the sttion switch 12 off, a series loop is againcompleted to energize the high speed motor 59 which again overrides thelow speed motor to rapidly drive the wheel 41 in a clockwise direction.As this occurs, the master switch 14 then drops off the trailing edge ofits operating cam 18 adn the timer assumes the position No. 2 operatingcondition.

In the position No. 2 condition, both the master switch 14 and allstation switches 12 are off and the low speed and high speed motors areon, with the high speed motor driving the Wheel 41 at a high angularvelocity.

Next, the station switch operating cam 20 engages the actuating arm 84of the station switch of station 2. The relative angular positions forthe station switch 12 of station 2 and the master switch 14 are again asdepicted in FIGURES l and 11. Accordingly, if the station switch 12 orstation 2 is set for any time of operation other than 30 minutes, itwill operate prior to the operation of the master switch 14 and thetimer will assume the position No. 3 operating condition (see FIGURE 8).In this condition, the station switch 12 is on and the master switch 14is off. This breaks the series loop to the low speed motor 60, whichshuts off. The high speed motor is still energized directly through thehomer and master switches and continues to drive the wheel 41 at arelatively high angular velocity. When the master switch turns on, thetiming operation for station 2 begins and the sequence depicted in thechart of FIGURE 8 is repeated.

It should be noted that if the station switch 12 of station 2 is set forzero time, the station switch will have operated and returned to itsnormal condition prior to the time the master switch 14 is operated (seeFIGURE 10). In this case, the timing operation is skipped for station 2and the wheel 41 continues to turn at a high angular velocity and thetimer 10 advances through positions No. 1 and 2 until the station switch12 for station 3 is contacted by the station switch operating cam 20.

This operation is repeated for each of the remaining stations of thetimer 10. Upon the completion of one revolution of the wheel 41, thespring arm of the homer switch 67 drops into the notch 68. This returnsthe switch arm 69 to the first terminal 70. Since the momentary pulse isno longer applied to the first input terminal 99, the timer it shutsoff, assuming that the manual start switch 101 has been opened. Thetimer then waits for another start pulse or manual operation of thestart switch 101 to complete another cycle of operation.

From the foregoing, it is appreciated that the present inventionprovides an improved timer which overcomes the problems associated withconventional timers. In particular, the timer of the present inventionis adapted to directly and selectively distribute electrical power toremote stations without requiring the use of a separate distributor.Also, the timer of the present invention is of a relatively inexpensive,compact, durable and long lasting construction, which in practice hasproven to be virtually service free.

While in the foregoing specification a particular form of timer has beendescribed in some detail, changes and modifications, of course, mayoccur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that thepresent invention be limited in scope only by the terms of the followingclaims.

I claim:

1. A timer, comprising:

a plurality of output terminals;

a master switch;

a plurality of station switches connected in a series loop with saidmaster switch, each station switch opening said series loop andconnecting to a dilferent output terminal upon operation;

means for applying electrical power to said master switch;

first means for successively operating said master switch forpredetermined periods of time to apply electrical power to said seriesloop;

second means for operating each of said plurality of station switches insuccession for predetermined periods of time;

and means for advancing and retarding the operating times of saidstation switches by said second means relative to the operating times ofsaid master switch by said first means.

2. A timer, comprising:

a plurality of output terminals;

a master switch;

a plurality of station switches conected in a series loop with saidmaster switch, said station switches being spaced from each other andfrom said master switch and each opening said series loop and connectingto a different output terminal upon operation;

means for applying electrical power to said master switch;

first moving means for successively operating said master switch forpredetermined periods of time to apply electrical power to said seriesloop;

second moving means synchronous with said first moving means foroperating each of said plurality of station switches in succession forpredetermined periods of time;

and means for individually adjusting the spacing between each of saidstation switches and said master switch to selectively control the timeduration for which said master switch and each station switch aresimultaneously operating to apply electrical energy to the outputterminal associated with said station switch.

3. A timer, comprising:

a plurality of output terminals;

a master switch;

a plurality of station switches connected in a series loop with saidmaster switch, said station switches being spaced from each other andfrom said master switch and each opening said series loop and connecting to a different output terminal upon operation;

means for applying electrical power to said master switch;

first moving means for successively operating said master switch forpredetermined periods of time to apply electrical power to said seriesloop;

second moving means synchronous with said first moving means foroperating each of said plurality of station switches in succession forpredetermined periods of time;

means for individually adjusting the spacing between each of saidstation switches and said master switch to selectively control the timeduration for which said master switch and each station switch aresimultaneously operating to apply electrical energy to the outputterminal associated with said station switch;

variable speed drive means for said first and second moving means;

and circuit means connected to said variable drive means and said seriesloop for reducing the drive speed to said moving means when said masterswitch is operating simultaneously with a station switch.

4. A timer, comprising:

a plurality of output terminals;

a master switch including first and second terminals in a movable switcharm;

means applying electrical power to said switch arm;

a plurality of station switches connected in a series loop between saidfirst and second terminals of said master switch, said station switchesbeing spaced from each other and from said master switch and eachopening said series loop and connecting to a different output terminalupon operation;

first movable means for successively moving said switch arm between saidfirst and second terminals of said master switch for predeterminedperiods of time;

second movable means for operating each of said plurality of stationswitches in succession for predetermined periods of time;

means for individually adjusting the spacing between each of saidstation switches and said master switch to selectively control the timeduration for which said master switch and each station switch are simul-11 taneously operating to apply electrical energy to the output terminalassociated with said station switch; and variable speed drive meansconnected to said master switch for normally driving said first andsecond movable means at a relatively high speed and at a relatively lowspeed when said switch arm is contacting said second terminal of saidmaster switch and one of said station switches is operating.

5. The timer of claim 4 wherein said variable speed drive means includesa high speed drive means connected to said first terminal of said masterswitch and a low speed drive means connected to said second terminal ofsaid master switch.

6. A timer, comprising:

a master switch including first and second terminals and a movableswitch arm;

means applying electrical power to said switch arm;

a station switch spaced from said master switch and including a firstterminal connected to said first terminal of said master switch, asecond terminal connected to an output terminal for said timer, and amovable switch arm normally contacting said first terminal of saidstation switch and connected to said second terminal of said masterswitch;

first movable means for repeatedly operating said master switch bysuccessively moving said switch arm from said first terminal to saidsecond terminal for predetermined periods of time;

second movable means for repeatedly operating said station switch bymoving said switch arm of said station switch to contact said secondterminal of said station switch for predetermined periods of time;

means for selectively adjusting the position of said station switchrelative to said master switch to adjust the time of operation of saidstation switch relative to the time of operation of said master switch;

and variable speed drive means connected to said master switch fornormally driving said first and second movable means at a relativelyhigh speed and at a relatively low speed when said switch arms arecontacting said second terminals.

7. A timer, comprising:

a master switch including first and second terminals in a movable switcharm;

means applying electrical power to said switch arm;

first and second station switches spaced from each other and said masterswitch and each including first and second terminals and a movableswitch arm normally contacting its associated first terminal, the secondterminal of each station switch being connected to a different outputterminal for said timer;

circuit means connecting said switch arm of said first station switch tosaid second terminal of said master switch, said first terminal of saidfirst station switch to said switch arm of said second station switch tosaid first terminal of said master switch;

first movable means for repeatedly operating said master switch bysuccessively moving said switch arm of said master switch from saidfirst terminal to said second terminal for predetermined periods oftime;

second movable means for repeatedly operating said station switches bysuccessively moving said switch arms of said first and second stationswitches to their associated second terminals for predetermined periodsof time;

means for selectively adjusting the positions of said station switchesrelative to said master switch to selectively adjust the time ofoperation of said station switches relative to the time of operation ofsaid master switch;

and variable speed drive means connected to said master switch fornormally driving said first and second movable means at a relativelyhigh speed and at a relatively low speed when said switch arm of saidmaster switch is contacting its associated second terminal and one ofthe switch arms of said station switches is contacting its associatedsecond terminal. 8. The time of claim 7 wherein said variable speeddrive means includes a high speed drive means connected to said firstterminal of said master switch and a low speed drive means connected tosaid second terminal of said master switch.

9. In a timer:

a master switch including first and second terminals and a movableswitch arm;

means applying electrical power to said switch arm of said masterswitch;

a station switch spaced from said master switch and including a firstterminal connected to said first terminal of said master switch, asecond terminal connected to an output terminal for said timer, and amovable switch arm normally contacting its associated first terminal andconnected to said second terminal of said master switch;

master switch operating means mounted for movement in a circular pathabout a central axis;

means supporting said master switch adjacent said circular path of saidmaster switch operating means such that said master switch operatingmeans operates said master switch once each revolution by moving saidswitch arm of said master switch from its first terminal to its secondterminal for a predetermined period of time;

station switch operating means mounted for movement with said masterswitch operating means in a circular path about said central axis;

means pivotally supporting said station switch for limited movementalong said circular path of said station switch operating means suchthat said station switch operating means operates said station switchabout the operating time of said master switch once each revolution bymoving said switch arm of said station switch from its first terminal toits second terminal for a predetermined period of time, the operatingtime of said station switch being less than the operating time of saidmaster switch;

means for selectively adjusting the angular position of said stationswitch relative to said master switch to adjust the time of operation ofsaid station switch relative to the time of operation of said masterswitch;

and variable speed drive means connected to said master switch fornormally driving said switch operating means at .a relatively high speedand at a relatively low speed when said master switch and station switchare operating simultaneously.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said variable speed drive meansincludes a high speed drive means connected to said first terminal ofsaid master switch and a low speed drive means connected to said secondterminal of said master switch.

11. A timer, comprising:

a master switch including first and second terminals in a movable switcharm;

means applying electrical power to said switch arm of said masterswitch;

a plurality of station switches connected by circuit means in a seriesloop with said master switch, each station switch including first andsecond terminals and a switch arm normally contacting its associatedfirst terminal, the second terminal of each station switch beingconnected to a different output terminal for said timer;

said circuit means including means connecting the switch arm of a firststation switch of said series loop to said second terminal of saidmaster switch and the switch arms of the remaining station switches tothe first terminal of the preceding station switch in said series loopand means connecting the first terminal of a last station switch of saidseries loop to said first terminal of said master switch;

a plurality of master switch operating means, one for each stationswitch, spaced evenly from each other in a circular array for turningtogether about a central axis;

means supporting said master switch adjacent said array such-that saidarray repeatedly operates said master switch upon turning about saidcentral axis by moving said switch arm of said master switch from saidfirst terminal to said second terminal for predetermined periods oftime;

station switch operating means movable with said array in a circularpath about said central axis;

means pivotally supporting said station switches at evenly spacedintervals for limited movement along said circular path of said stationswitch operating means such that said station switch operating meansoperates each station switch once each revolution and about the time ofoperation of said master switch, by moving the switch arm of eachstation switch to contact its second terminal for a predetermined periodof time;

means for selectively adjusting the angular position of each stationswitch relative to said master switch to adjust the time of operation ofsaid station switches relative to said master switch;

and variable speed drive means connected to said master switch fornormally driving said switch operating means at a relatively highangular velocity and at a relatively low angular velocity when saidmaster switch and a station switch are operating simultaneously.

12. The timer of claim 11 wherein said variable speed drive meansincludes a high speed drive means connected to said first terminal ofsaid master switch and a low speed drive means connected to said secondterminal of said master switch.

13. The timer of claim 11 further including:

a front panel;

a shaft extending from said panel along said central axis for turningwith said array of master switch operating means;

a pointer carried by said shaft for movement over a portion of saidfront panel around said shaft;

a scale on said front panel graduated to indicate the different stationswitches whereby said pointer indicates which station switch is beingoperated by said station switch operating means;

a plurality of knobs carried by said front panel in a circular arrayaround said shaft each opposite a different station switch;

means connected to each knob for moving the associated station switchalong said circular path of said station switch operating means toadjust the angular position of each station switch relative to saidmaster switch;

and graduated scale means on said front panel around each knob forindicating the time duration which each output terminal will beenergized during the revolution of said station switch operating means.

14. The timer of claim 13 including means on said front panel forlimiting the degree of turning of each of said knobs to limit the travelof said station switches along said circular path of said station switchoperating means.

15. The timer of claim 13 wherein said station switch operating means isa cam means for successively engaging the switch arms of said stationswitches and wherein said turner includes controllable means for urgingsaid knobs against said panel to prevent movement of said stationswitches upon engaging said cam.

16. The timer of claim 13 including clutch means for positively drivingsaid shaft with said array of master switch operating means in a firstrotational direction and for effectively releasing said shaft from saidarray to permit turning of said shaft in an opposite rotationaldirection independent of said array.

17. The timer of claim 16 wherein said clutch means comprises:

a first sleeve extending from said pointer around and connected to saidshaft and including a spiral-shaped end with a generally verticalconnecting wall be tween the ends of said spiral;

a second sleeve connected to said master switch actuating means andextending around said shaft and including a spiral-shaped end facing andmating with said spiral-shaped end of said first sleeve;

and spring means normally urging said spiral-shaped ends toward eachother.

18,- A timer, comprising:

a homer switch including first and second terminals and a switch armnormally contacting said first terminal, said first terminal beingadapted to receive a relatively short duration electrical power signalto start said timer and said second terminal being adapted to receive asustained electrical power signal for sustaining operation of said timerfor one complete cycle of operation;

a master switch including first and second terminals and a switch armnormally contacting its associated first terminal and connected to saidswitch arm of said homer switch;

a plurality of station switches connected by circuit means in a seriesloop with said master switch, each station switch including first andsecond terminals and a switch arm normally contacting its associatedfirst terminal, the second terminal of each station switch beingconnected to a different output terminal for said timer;

said circuit means including means connecting the switch arm of a firststation switch of said series loop to said second terminal of saidmaster switch and the switch arms of the remaining station switches tothe first terminals of the preceding station switches in said seriesloop, and means connecting the first terminal of a last station switchof said series loop to said first terminal of said master switch;

a plurality of master switch operating means, one for each stationswitch, spaced evenly from each other in a circular array for turningtogether about a central axis;

means supporting said master switch adjacent said array such that saidarray repeatedly operates said master switch upon turning about saidcentral axis by moving said switch arm of said master switch from itsfirst terminal to its second terminal for predetermined periods of time;

homer switch operating means for operating said homer switch at thebeginning and during each revolution of said master switch actuatingmeans about said central axis by moving said switch arm of said homerswitch to its second terminal, said homer switch returning to its normalcondition at the end of each revolution of said array;

station switch operating means for turning in a circular path with saidarray about said central axis;

means supporting said station switches at evenly spaced intervals forlimited movement along said circular path of said station switchoperating means to each operate once each revolution of said stationswitch operating means and about the time of operation of said masterswitch;

means for selectively adjusting the angular position of each stationswitch relative to said master switch to adjust the time of operation ofsaid station switches relative to said master switch;

and variable speed drive means connected to said master switch fornormally driving said switch operating means at a relatively highangular velocity and at a 15 relatively low angular velocity when saidmaster switch and a station switch are operating simultaneously.

19. A timer, comprising:

a homer switch including first and second terminals and a switch armnormally contacting Said first terminal, said first terminal beingadapted to receive a relatively short duration electrical power signalto start said timer and said second terminal being adapted to receive asustained electriacl power signal for sustaining operation of said timerfor one complete cycle of operation;

a master switch including first and second terminals and a switch armnormally contacting its associated first terminal and connected to saidswitch arm of said homer switch;

a plurality of station switches connected by circuit means in a seriesloop with said master switch, each station switch including first andsecond terminals and a switch arm normally contacting its associatedfirst terminal, the second terminal of each station switch beingconnected to a difierent output terminal for said timer;

said circuit means including means connecting the switch arm of a firststation switch of said series loop to said second terminal of saidmaster switch and the switch arms of the remaining station switches tothe first terminals of the preceding station switches in said seriesloop, and means connecting the first terminal of a last station switchof said series loop to said first terminal of said master switch;

a plurality of master switch operating means, one for each stationswitch, spaced evenly from each other in a circular array for turningtogether about a central axis;

means supporting said master switch adjacent said array such that saidarray repeatedly operates said master switch upon turning about saidcentral axis by moving said switch arm of said master switch from itsfirst terminal to its second terminal for predetermined periods of time;

homer switch operating means adjacent one of said master switchoperating means for turning with said array in a circular path aboutsaid central axis and for operating said homer switch at the beginningof and during each revolution of said array;

means supporting said homer switch adjacent said circular path of saidhomer switch operating means to operate at the beginning of and duringeach revolution of said array by moving said switch arm of said homerswitch to contact its second terminal, said homer switch returning toits normal condition at the end of each revolution of said array;

station switch operating means for turning in a circular path with saidarray about said central axis;

means supporting said station switches at evenly spaced intervals forlimited movement along said circular path of said station switchoperating means to each operate once each revolution of said stationswitch operating means and about the time of operation of said masterswitch;

means for selectively adjusting the angular position of each stationswitch relative to said master switch to adjust the time of operation ofsaid station switches relative to said master switch;

and variable speed drive means connected to said master switch fornormally driving said switch operating means at a relatively highangular velocity and at a relatively low angular velocity when saidmaster switch and a station switch are operating simultaneously.

20. The timer of claim 19 wherein said variable speed drive meansincludes a high speed drive means connected to said first terminal ofsaid master switch and a low speed drive means connected to said secondterminal of said master switch.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,040,227 6/ 1962 Hauser 2003 83,244,912 4/ 1966 Hauser 307-141 3,335,298 8/1967 Craig 3'07-141 ORIS L.RADER, Primary Examiner.

T. B. JOIKE, Assistant Examiner.

2. A TIMER, COMPRISING: A PLURALITY OF OUTPUT TERMINALS; A MASTERSWITCH; A PLURALITY OF STATION SWITCHES CONNECTED IN A SERIES LOOP WITHSAID MASTER SWITCH, SAID STATION SWITCHES BEING SPACED FROM EACH OTHERAND FROM SAID MASTER SWITCH AND EACH OPENING SAID SERIES LOOP ANDCONNECTING TO A DIFFERENT OUTPUT TERMINAL UPON OPERATION; MEANS FORAPPLYING ELECTRICAL POWER TO SAID MASTER SWITCH; FIRST MOVING MEANS FORSUCCESSIVELY OPERATING SAID MASTER SWITCH FOR PREDETERMINED PERIODS OFTIME TO APPLY ELECTRICAL POWER TO SAID SERIES LOOP; SECOND MOVING MEANSSYNCHRONOUS WITH SAID FIRST MOVING MEANS FOR OPERATING EACH OF SAIDPLURALITY OF STATION SWITCHES IN SUCCESSION FOR PREDETERMINED PERIODS OFTIME; AND MEANS FOR INDIVIDUALLY ADJUSTING THE SPACING BETWEEN EACH OFSAID STATION SWITCHES AND SAID MASTER SWITCH TO SELECTIVELY CONTROL THETIME DURATION FOR WHICH SAID MASTER SWITCH AND EACH STATION SWITCH ARESIMULTANEOUSLY OPERATING TO APPLY ELECTRICAL ENERGY TO THE OUTPUTTERMINAL ASSOCIATED WITH SAID STATION SWITCH.